Wireless Power Receiver Circuitry Duty Cycle Limiting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies in power coupling over distance and interference issues, and are limited in charging multiple devices simultaneously due to the need for close antenna spacing, leading to undesirable 'darkside operation' where power transfer degrades significantly.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless power transfer system using near-field coupling between a transmitter and receiver with loop antennas, where the resonant frequency of both is matched to minimize transmission losses, and active circuitry on the receiver side to limit pulse width modulation duty cycle and prevent 'darkside operation by maintaining input voltage above a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If plane wave radiation coupling is used between transmit and receive antennas, then power can be transmitted over distance, but power coupling efficiency falls off quickly with distance making charging >1-2m difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between antennasVSAvoidpower coupling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency matching between transmit and receive loop antennas. This resonance condition creates strong magnetic coupling that maintains efficient power transfer over distances significantly greater than traditional inductive coupling, directly addressing the efficiency-distance tradeoff

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If inductive coupling between transmit and receive antennas is used, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but spacing between antennas must be very close (mms)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devices charged simultaneouslyVSAvoidspacing between antennas
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses resonant frequency matching to enhance the coupling coefficient between antennas, allowing multiple devices to be charged simultaneously at practical spacing distances. The resonance condition creates a distributed magnetic field that can accommodate multiple receivers without requiring millimeter-scale proximity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If plane wave radiation is used for wireless power transmission, then charging can occur at reasonable distances, but unintentional radiation interferes with other systems requiring filtering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging distanceVSAvoidunintentional radiation interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent confines the electromagnetic energy primarily to the near-field magnetic coupling region through resonant loop antennas. This localized field confinement prevents far-field radiation and interference with other systems while maintaining effective power transfer at charging distances, eliminating the need for extensive filtering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Power

If power converter duty cycle is not limited in wireless power receiver, then power transfer can be maximized, but undesirable darkside operation occurs where power transfer degrades significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer rateVSAvoidpower transfer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the duty cycle of the power converter and applies limiting when approaching darkside operation conditions. This feedback control maintains power transfer within a stable operating range, preventing the degradation associated with darkside operation while maximizing efficient power transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances power transfer efficiency over distance, allows for simultaneous charging of multiple devices, and prevents the degradation of power transfer seen in 'darkside operation, ensuring stable and efficient energy delivery.

Implementation Method 1

The implementation of a wireless power transfer system using near-field coupling between a transmitter and receiver with loop antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

where the resonant frequency of both is matched to minimize transmission losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9337664B2Wireless power receiver circuitry
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 QUALCOMM INC
  • US9337664B2 patent drawing
  • US9337664B2 patent drawing
  • US9337664B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power receivers. A device may include a power converter configured to receive an input voltage. The device may further include circuitry configured to limit a pulse width modulation duty cycle of the power converter to prevent the input voltage from dropping below a threshold voltage.